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Football

04th Oct 2024

“He is just another one” – Richard Dunne on the big problem with new Man United defender Matthijs de Ligt

Ryan Price

The former Republic of Ireland centre-back doesn’t think Ten Hag’s new signing is good enough.

Richard Dunne had some strong words to say about the performance of Matthijs De Ligt in Manchester United’s 3-3 draw at Porto in the Europa League last night.

The Red Devils went 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund. The slight hint of a smile on Erik Ten Hag’s face quickly turned to a frown when the home side levelled things within 15 minutes.

PORTO, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 3: Coach Erik ten Hag of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Porto v Manchester United at the Estadio Do Dragao on October 3, 2024 in Porto Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)

A Samu Omorodion goal and a Bruno Fernandes sending off later, United were minutes away from a devastating loss that would have only piled even more pressure on the already stressed-looking Dutchman.

Substitute and ex-captain Harry Maguire was the man to save the day (and potentially Ten Hag’s job for the moment) with a towering header in added time to secure a point.

Porto attacker Samu Omorodion caused Matthijs De Ligt all kinds of problems throughout the game, and escaped him to drill the ball into the roof to give his side the lead.

Former Ireland defender Richard Dunne was on punditry duty for Premier Sports where he gave a brutal reflection on the ex-Bayern Munich star’s performance.

“He is just another one that is going to fall into the sort of catergory of a decent centre-half,” Dunne said.

“He is not the one that is going to lead them back to league titles and Champions Leagues.

“I think that goal is very good centre-forward movement but it is also the most basic of movement from a centre-forward and he should be able to deal with it.”

Considering he was United’s big-money reinforcement in defence ahead of the new season, Dunne’s thoughts won’e have landed softly on fan’s ears.

With Maguire emerging the hero off the back of a poor De Ligt performance, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not Ten Hag gives him the nod for Aston Villa away on Sunday afternoon.